Contagion (2011)

A mystery illness is spreading all over the world and with each passing day, there are more affected people and more deaths. How the world deals with this mystery disease, is the plot. Starting from common people to journalists to doctors, a variety of people are affected and their only goal is to get hold of the vaccine that would get them immunity against the virus.

The process of fear and panic spreading, the way the virus spreads, the various conspiracy theories and the long wait for the curative vaccine are shown well.

Review

• There is a huge star cast giving tremendous face value for the film. Each of them has a small role that could have been done by anyone else. The stars are all impressive, nevertheless. 
• The scientific terms used in this unwavering medical movie are beyond the realms of understanding for a normal human brain. 
• The screenplay is gripping particularly the way the virus propagates across the various cities in the world with the passage of time. The origin of this virus shown in the very end is shocking. Such simple acts leading to catastrophic occurrences. 

VERDICT

An unwavering medical movie which is a warning at how normally inconsequential acts can cause major grief.

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

The Plot
Young politician David Norris and dancer Elise fall in love at first sight. They make an irresistible pair. David is a high profile politician who is on track to become a possible presidential candidate in future and Elise is in line to become a delightful choreographer.

There are a set of men who call themselves "The Adjustment Bureau". They control people's lives and maintain a file for each person. According to their plans, these 2 lovers are not supposed to unite because their respective careers will be affected by their blind love for each other.

David decides to follow their advice for 3 yrs and goes away from Elise. He then, comes to know that Elise is about to get married. Now, his feelings for her start to overpower him and he is desperate to stop her marriage. He is then helped by one of the members of the "Adjustment Bureau", Harry, who leads David to Elise through many secret doors in the city. After a major chase by the other members of the bureau, the 2 lovers unite through the sheer intensity of their love for each other.

Hits

• Emily Blunt is delightfully charming and dances like a dream. Such a perfect woman worth craving for.
• Matt Damon is as always earnest and intense in his portrayal of David Norris
• Anthony Mackie has a nice gentle-manlike role as Harry, a helpful member of the bureau.
• The BG score varies according to the screenplay. Mellow and riveting, according to the mood of the scenes.  

Comments

• The concept of "The Adjustment Bureau" is pure fantasy but, not over the top. It is basically about a group of men who make sure that they control peoples' destiny. David Norris, though, decides to make his own destiny by taking on the bureau despite the risks. 

VERDICT

Terrific on-screen chemistry between the lead pair and an outrageously beautiful Emily Blunt make this film a decent watch. 

Green Zone (2010)

The Plot
The movie is about the WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction)scenario in Iraq. US Soldier Roy Miller heads the WMD unit and he leads his team to many spots but they don't uncover any WMD. He starts suspecting the US intel that they are provided.

With the help of a journalist Lawrie Dayne, another US official Martin Brown, a local Iraqi citizen Freddie, Miller uncovers the truth about the actual WMD scenario from General Mohammad Al Rawi, the former right hand man of Saddam.

Miller comes to know that the US Govt. had actually faked the intel and that there is no WMD in Iraq ever since 1991. He realizes that this war is a major sham to just eliminate Saddam and take over Iraq for the oil and other such reserves. He exposes this in the end to the media.

                                                                 
Hits

• Matt Damon is the single biggest force in the movie and he carries this action movie on his shoulders with his charisma and intensity
• The depiction of firing and other such standard army procedures is quite authentic. 
• The screenplay is action packed all through. Not much space for long dialogues et al. 

VERDICT

Though the movie is cinematic in that, a single soldier exposes a major military scam, it is still a worthy movie from the 'Bourne' director-actor combo of Paul Greengrass and Matt Damon. Yet another US-Iraq war movie.  

Good Will Hunting (1997)

What's it about:
Will Hunting is a 20 yr old genius who works as a janitor at MIT. He wastes his time with his bunch of friends Chuck, Morgan and Billy. He is a very gifted mathematician and he solves the problems that are meant for the students. Even tough problems are child's play for Will. He is a voracious reader too. But he has some problems in that he is very defensive and that he shies away from newer opportunities and relationships.
             He once roughs up a policeman in a local tussle and is sent to jail for good. Professor Gerry Lambeau bails him out on the condition that he works on Maths with him and also that he sees a shrink twice a week. Many psychiatrists try and fail miserably. Finally Gerry's former room mate Sean Maguire takes Will's case and starts working his magic slowly and steadily.
       Sean identifies with Will's case because he is also from a similar background. He slowly helps Will realize his true potential. Gerry is very ambitious for Will and sets up some high profile job interviews for him but Sean believes that Will needs to do what he feels like doing. Gerry and Sean have their differences of opinion on Will
       Will also goes through a troubled relationship with Skylar, that starts off on a lovely note. Finally, Will finds his true calling and sets out in search of Skyalr to California. He puts all the high profile job offers on hold. His friends also are happy that he is away from them because they very well know that Will is destined for greatness and not the shitty neighborhood life.

                                                                      
Hits

• A great, honest performance from Matt Damon. Those extreme and tight close ups say a lot about the man's acting caliber
• Terrific underplay from Robin Williams as Sean. Masterclass indeed. 
• Good earnest portrayal from Stellan Skarsgard too as Gerry, the ambitious mathematician par excellence. 
• Beautiful portrayal of relationships all through. Be it the informal bonding between the 4 buddies or the natural love chemistry between Will and Skylar or the lovely 'father-son' like bonding between Will and Sean. "A" CLASS STUFF
• The Affleck brothers score with their friendly scuffles and bonding. 

VERDICT

A great film on a troubled young man's journey towards attaining his life's true purpose. Great portrayal of relationships too. 

Classic Revisited - The Departed (2006)

Whats it about:
Frank Costello is a big hotshot gangster and sergeant Sullivan is his informant in the SIU (Special Investigations Unit) ... Trooper William Costigan is assigned to work undercover by officers Queenan and Dignam. Costigan joins Costello's gang. The whole operation is all wound up in secrecy.
     Soon doubts start cropping up. Costigan informs his superiors in the undercover unit that there is a rat in the SIU while Sullivan also informs Costello that there is a police rat in Costello's gang. It all ends in a bloody classy fashion. Check it out ...                                                                  

Hits

• Leo's dashing screen presence. His intense, frustrated portrayal is pure class. 
• Matt Damon is sort of overshadowed by Leo's dashing style. But still a great portrayal as the corrupt complicated cop.
• Jack Nicholson, as always, is majestic as the RocknRolla gangster with a taste for adult jokes.
• Mark Wahlberg is a riot as the foul mouthing no nonsense cop. Such fluency of dialog delivery, particularly in Leo's interview scene :). The actor who plays Queenan is earnest. 
• Vera Farmiga as the psychiatrist is dignified and an understanding partner to both Sullivan and Costigan. That love making scene between her and Leo on a rainy night oozes with heat and passion
• The making style is awesome. Scorsese Sir, take a bow.
• The title BGM track is kick ass. It comes later too at an appropriate time
• All the scenes on top 344 Washington are terrific. Gripping and violent cinema 
• The scenes where Matt and Leo try to expose each other are extremely thrilling.

VERDICT

One of the most stylish cop dramas with the best star cast in recent years.